Chapter 4

Mia's POV…….

I was expecting to meet my unknown husband today, but definitely not my boss, Carl Oswald.

I was staring at my boss, the man known for his icy demeanor and towering ego, dressed in a tuxedo and standing at the altar, ready to exchange vows with me. 

The man who had made my life a living hell on the first day at work, was now my husband.

The priest's brow furrowed in confusion, but I managed to compose myself, giving Carl a light nod though the shock was still present. "What are you doing here?" he whispered harshly.

“Getting married to you obviously”I whispered back, with a fake smile.

Despite his condescending tone, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked. 

"And what are you looking at, huh?" he whispered again, irritation creeping into his voice.

"I wasn't even looking at you, sir," I replied quietly with rolled eyes, trying to maintain my composure.

I couldn't help but admire the way the tuxedo hugged his broad shoulders and chiseled jaw.

 But then, I reminded myself of his arrogant demeanor and the way he treated his employees.

The ceremony continued, a blur of meaningless words and ritualistic gestures. Carl remained numb, looking straight at me. 

I kept looking away, but his eyes were fixed on me, void of emotions. Why is he acting like he didn’t know about all this? He obviously planned it.

 I glanced at Mom and Grandpa, who wore satisfied looks and gave small nods of encouragement.

When it was time to say our vows, Carl hesitated. He glanced around as if seeking some form of approval. 

"We're both in the middle of the Red Sea, dummy. Why is he acting weird?" I thought to myself. 

Then it was my turn. 

" Do you, Miss Pankraz, take Carl Oswald as your lawful wedded husband?......" the priest asked as I mimicked him in my mind.

Mia, snap out of it. Today is supposed to be the best day of your life, but it's the worst, and you're here joking around.

Finally, the priest declared us husband and wife. As it was time for the "kiss your bride" part... Ewwww, not with my boss. My stomach churned at the thought of it.

This is going to be my first kiss on my precious lips. 

Carl leaned in to kiss me, his head moving slightly above my lips. 

"Huh, does he want to kiss my nose?" I quickly moved my lips toward his. 

As soon as our lips touched, he drew back instantly, a symbolic gesture rather than a real kiss. I didn't feel anything.

Immediately, there came a round of applause, with camera flashes almost blinding me. 

Carl's grip on my hand was strong as we walked down the aisle together, beaming with fake smiles as the photographers captured every moment.

We made our way through the well-wishers, accepting congratulations with forced smiles. It was time to leave the church. 

As we escaped the chaos of the church, we were ushered into a waiting car. The reception was held back at the mansion. Carl and I got into the same car. 

We sat distantly from each other, our heads facing apart, looking out the windows. Not saying a word to each other.

We arrived at the mansion and were faced with another round of camera flashes, dealing with the press, and taking tons of family pictures. 

My mouth was hurting from all the fake smiling, and my body ached from the tight wedding dress.

The mansion was transformed into a fairytale wonderland, but for me, it felt like a gilded prison, still accepting congratulations and well-wishes.

Carl leaned in and whispered to me, "We need to talk. Now.

Talk? What does he want to talk about? Oh gosh…

He grabbed my arm and led me to a secluded room in the mansion.

As soon as the door closed behind us, his demeanor changed.

 He was no longer the composed groom; he was my boss, full of irritation and anger.

"What the hell is going on, Miloslava?" he demanded, his voice low and harsh."I could ask you the same thing," I retorted, my voice trembling but defiant. 

“I didn’t know I was getting married to you. I thought it was someone else”.

"He laughed bitterly. "Of course, you didn’t.

 This is all a big joke, isn't it? You, standing here in a wedding dress, pretending to be a bride. 

You're just my secretary, Miloslava. Nothing more."

His words stung, but I held my ground.

 "I didn't plan this, Carl. Our families did. I’m just as shocked as you are.

"He scoffed. "You expect me to believe that? You must have known.”

"Believe what you want," I said, my voice growing firmer. "But I’m not a liar. This wasn’t my choice."

He glared at me for a moment before turning away, running a hand through his curly black hair. "This is a nightmare."

"Tell me about it," I muttered under my breath.

Before we could say more, there was a knock on the door……

It was an unfamiliar face. She entered the room with a smirk on her face, her eyes cold as they landed on me.

"Congratulations, Carl," she said sweetly, wrapping her hands around his neck then she turned to me.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Oswald." She leaned in close, her voice a whisper but dripping with malice, "Enjoy it while it lasts. He’s mine.”

I stiffened but nodded, forcing a smile as she walked away.

How could I navigate this marriage with a man who clearly despised me? I thought to myself as I was alone in the room.

After a while, I went out too, dragging my feet as the world seemed to come to an end for me.

Suddenly, I heard whispers from familiar voices. I moved closer to the door, curious to know what was going on.

"We will split the money equally. I brought up the idea of selling her off,” the first voice said.

"Well,I should have a bigger share, don't you think? I need to leave and go back home, so give me my share," the second voice replied.

"Won't you see her before you leave?" The first voice asked. 

"She's in good hands. There will be no need for that."......

I stood beside the window, overhearing everything they said. 

Taking a closer look, I saw them.

What?!!! I was sold?!!!